Sunrise Service Dogs 2024 Impact Report

2024 IMPACT REPORT

Heather & Colton Johnson Founders

Boone

Laura Edwards Executive Director

A Message From Our Founders & Executive Director Dear Friends, Supporters, and Community, Every partnership between a person and a service dog begins with a simple truth: together, we are stronger than we are alone.

In 2020, when Sunrise Service Dogs was just a vision, we dreamed of creating a world where exceptional canines could bridge the gap between disability and possibility. Today, as we reflect on the past year, we are humbled and inspired by the life-changing partnerships we’ve helped create. What began as a dream has blossomed into a movement that has transformed lives, one team at a time.

This past year has been one of remarkable growth and profound impact. We graduated six new service dog teams, each one a testament to the power of partnership. These teams are now supporting individuals living with PTSD, autism, diabetes, mobility challenges, and rare conditions like Lamb-Schaffer Syndrome and Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease 4J. Each graduation represents months of training and a new beginning—a brighter path. Our Puppy Academy welcomed new additions, carefully bred and selected to ensure the highest standards of training and care. We also expanded our Bridge Academy, supporting 26 individuals, including Veterans, First Responders, and Civilians, each with their own unique challenges and triumphs.

What sets Sunrise Service Dogs apart is our unwavering

the veteran who, after years of sleepless nights, finally found peace with his service dog by his side.

We recall the mother who wept tears of joy when her child with autism spoke to their service dog—the first words she’d heard in months. And we celebrate the young woman with mobility challenges who, with her service dog’s support, ventured confidently into the world for the first time in years.

These moments aren’t just successes; they’re reminders of why we built this organization in the first place.

As we move forward, we remain committed to excellence in breeding and training, while honoring the unique qualities of each individual we serve. Our dogs come from exceptional bloodlines—Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Old English Sheepdogs —because we believe that creating life-changing partnerships begins with outstanding canines.

The pages that follow tell our story in numbers and images, but the true measure of our impact lives in the everyday moments that don’t make it into reports: A veteran who can sleep through the night. A person with mobility challenges who ventures confidently into the world with their service dog by their side.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, sponsored, or simply shared our story, you’ve helped create a bridge of possibility for someone who needed it. Together, we’re building a world where disability doesn’t define limitations—where exceptional dogs and remarkable humans find their way to each other, creating partnerships that transform lives.

commitment to seeing the whole person. We understand that

With gratitude and hope,

disability is just one facet of a complex, valuable human life.

Heather & Colton Johnson

Our dogs don’t just perform tasks; they become bridges—

Founders

connecting people back to their communities, their families, and parts of themselves they thought were lost. We remember

Laura Edwards Executive Director

About Us Sunrise Service Dogs was founded in 2020 with a clear mission—to create a bridge of possibility by partnering individuals with exceptional canines. What started as an idea became a reality in 2022 when entire operations began, establishing a unique approach to training and placing service dogs.

Rudy Programs & Services

In a short time, we have grown into a trusted organization, developing specialized programs that address various needs. The impact has been significant, with service dog partnerships transforming lives and strengthening communities. Our rapid progress reflects both the increasing demand for these services and the effectiveness of our approach.

Puppy Academy

Bridge Academy

Our comprehensive breeding and early training

Our owner-trained program supports

program develops purpose-bred puppies from

individuals who already have dogs with service

exceptional bloodlines, preparing them for

potential, providing expert guidance, training

specialized service dog work through science-

protocols, and certification assistance to

based training methods and early socialization.

transform beloved pets into qualified service animals.

2024 Impact Overview

1

Psychiactric Support

1

3

Mobility Support

6

Service Dog Teams Graduated From SSD

Hoss

1

Medical Support

Veteran Support

Mobility Support

4

1

6

5

Psychiatric Support

Veteran Families

Veteran Families

1

2

Psychiatric Support

1

Medical Support

Medical Support

Laydee

12

Students that started Puppy Academy

8

Students that started Bridge Academy

2024 Impact Overview

26 7

Labrador Lifelines

puppies were bred and whelped in-house by SSD.

1

Dam’s Owner

7

puppies were welcomed into our program from generous breeders across the US.

active clients served across our programs

5

Entered Our Program

1

Stud’s Owner

Our Graduates Report:

85%

experience improved confidence in daily activities

90%

92%

94%

95%

report increased ability to navigate public spaces independently

experience reduced frequency or severity of PTSD symptoms

88%

report reduced reliance on human assistance for routine tasks

report decreased anxiety in public settings

report increased social engagement and reduced isolation

100%

note improved sleep quality and duration

Client Stories Behind every service dog partnership lies a story of transformation that statistics alone cannot describe.

In the following accounts, our clients share how their service dogs have become bridges to independence, confidence, and renewed possibility. These firsthand testimonials reveal not just what our dogs do, but how these exceptional partnerships have fundamentally changed lives, creating impacts that go far beyond the tasks performed and into the everyday moments that define quality of life.

Debbie & Hoss "Having my dog by my side has renewed my social life. I

can now attend family gatherings, meet friends for coffee, and run errands without the anxiety that used to hold me

back. I’m a veteran with PTSD and his calm presence helps me stay grounded, and his assistance with physical tasks means I can focus on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about getting through it."

Justin & Perry "Since partnering with Perry, I've seen incredible

growth — both in his skills and my independence. He's mastered everything from helping with personal care tasks to making shopping trips manageable. What's truly remarkable is how he's helped me maintain my social connections even during health flares. Thanks to him, I’m able to work, and I haven't had to miss important family events or friend gatherings."

AmiLynne & Beau

"With Beau by my side, I've rediscovered the world beyond my home.

From attending my husband’s reunion to visiting grocery stores, movie theaters, and even experiencing Hamilton live, Beau has made these outings not just possible but enjoyable. His calm, steady presence in crowded spaces and his ability to navigate everything for me has eliminated barriers I once thought insurmountable. The confidence I feel with him beside me has allowed me to reconnect with friends, engage in social activities, and experience life's simple pleasures again— all while knowing I have his unwavering support should I need it."

Lauryn & Navia Before Navia, my service dog, living with POTS meant each outing was a gamble. She alerts me before cardiac episodes and stays with me during events, giving me precious time to take preventive measures. Thanks to her constant monitoring, I've regained my independence. Having Navia by my side means I can focus on living my life instead of worrying about my next cardiac event. She's my guardian angel who's given me my life back.

Michel & Santiago "My dog has transformed my daily life in ways I never expected. From helping me with practical tasks like retrieving dropped items and opening doors, to giving me the confidence to explore new places, and going to the VA, he's become an essential part of my independence."

2024 Graduates

The Heart of Sunrise Service Dogs Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of Sunrise Service Dogs.

Their incrediblecommitment has been instrumental in helping us fulfill our mission ofcreating meaningful partnerships between individuals and exceptional dogs.

12

Active Volunteers

4800+ Volunteer Hours

65%

in Operational Support

Join Our Volunteer Family The growing demand for our programs and services means we are always looking for passionate individuals to join our volunteer team. Whether you can offer a few hours a month or a more significant commitment,

you have a place at Sunrise Service Dogs. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit https://sunriseservicedogs.org/volunteer

"Raising a litter of future service dog puppies has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Watching these puppies grow from their first breaths to becoming confident, well-socialized puppies ready for their training journey has filled my heart with purpose. Each midnight feeding, every cleanup, all the careful socialization –it's all worth it knowing these puppies will go on to change someone's life. Being part of this program's mission from the very beginning stages is an honor I'll always cherish."

Susie L.

- Whelping Home Volunteer "Raising Star has brought so much joy and purpose to our family.

Teaching her basic obedience, watching her master new skills, and exposing her to different environments has been incredibly rewarding. Star has taught us compassion and responsibility, and we've all grown attached to this special puppy. While saying goodbye will be difficult, knowing Star will go on to provide independence and companionship to someone with a disability who needs her makes it all worthwhile. We're honored to be part of this amazing journey."

Christophe & Rebecca G. - Puppy Raisers

"After more than 35 years in dog breeding and conformation, donating puppies to this program has given my work new meaning. I carefully select puppies with the perfect temperament and health clearances to become service dogs. Seeing my dogs go on to transform lives is more meaningful than any show ring ribbon. The program's dedication to excellence in breeding and training aligns perfectly with my values, and I'm proud to contribute my lines and expertise to help create these extraordinary service dog teams."

Shannon G.

- Puppy Donor, Lowood Labrador Retrievers

Board of Directors & Leadership

Colton Johnson

Heather Johnson

Brian Frevert

Russell A. White

Diana Wilson

Tricia Elmer

Douglas Johnson

Laura Edwards

Co-Founder, Chair

Secretary

Co-Founder, Board Member

Board Member

Vice Chair, Board Member

Board Member

CPA, MBA, Treasurer

Executive Director

2024 Financial Review

Revenue Donations

$85,006.75

Event Income In-kind Contributions

Expenses General/Admin

$14,719.73

$78,686.17

Fundraising Event

$26,723.74

$23,250.00

Program Services

$131,815.82

Net Revenue

Net Liabilities

Net Assets

Net Equity

$14,650.49 $46,302.89

$8,614.86 $37,688.03

Thank You For Your Support in 2024! $20,000 - $50,000

The Andras Foundation Under the Sun Dog Training & Daycare

$5,000 - $15,000

Karen Benenati, Equity Colorado Real Estate The Furnace Guy Heating & Cooling Harewood Kennels Doug & Michaelanne Johnson Kennel Club of Philadelphia Patty Korsch Lowood Labrador Retrievers REACOS

$2,500 - $4,999

Jeri Betg Brooks Labrador Retrievers Brian & Kay Frevert Amy Harnden David & Amy McKinley Lisa & Patrick Nofield Phil Long Ford Motor City

$1,000 - $2,499

Chuck Bessant The Canine Chronicle Tyler Crady-Roche, All Breed Photo Deerview Boxers & Pet Nanny Laura & Robert Edwards Clark & Tricia Elmer Melissa Emmett Fox21 KXRM David Frei The Forest Event Rentals Sharon Hanson Carl & Donna Hatton Tom & Leah Huxtable Juniper Hill Golden Retrievers Clint & Karen Livingston Long's Peak German Shepherds Magnum Shooting Center James & Sheyna Marshall Jenna McMullen Karen Merritt Pebwin Golden Retrievers Purina Laurie & Wayne Smith Shelia & Lex Smith Diane & Kent Sutherland Debbie Urioste Katy & Jim van Housen

Zach & Zoe Watkins Waypoint Bank

$500 - $999

Bell Brothers Brewing Monica Bullock & Crys Lucero Elissa Boyet Dayna Breault 95.1 Cat Country Definitive Dog Denver's Competitive Ink Bell Brothers Brewing El Paso County 4-H Dog Advisory Committee Carl & Donna Hatton Mandie Hoehne J&J Dog Supplies Eric & Joan Liebes North Springs Veterinary Referral Center Pet Pantry Joshua Reynolds Jon & Juli Romero Brittany & Cris Shumack Mark & Sharon Sperry Sanford Woodard Willow Creek Portraits

By becoming a supporter, you are directly contributing to the life-changing work of Sunrise Service Dogs. Your support helps us:

• Train and place service dogs for individuals with disabilities.

• Provide ongoing and lifetime support to our clients and their service dog teams.

• Expand our service dog placement initiatives to meet the rising demand in our community.

• Raise awareness about the transformative power of service dogs.

Want to support the work we do to impact more? Contact Laura Edwards - Executive Director: ledwards@sunriseservicedogs.org • (719) 357-9722

Sunrise Service Dogs, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization.

EIN 85-3472528 Contact: 6540 Vincent Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Phone: (719) 357-9722 Email: info@sunriseservicedogs.org sunriseservicedogs.org